Garry had a lump in his throat. “We’ve enjoyed it too, haven’t we, Patch?”
“Sure thing,” Patch murmured.
Captain Eaton continued: “You two have been a great big lift in our lives. It’s been so long since we’ve seen young fellows, and you’ve made us feel younger ourselves once more. I think you know how we feel about your leaving us. But I don’t want to get sentimental about it and make you feel worse. So this won’t be good-by. We’ll see each other again—I know we shall.”
Garry cleared his throat, trying to dissolve that lump. “You’d better dry your hands, Sir.”
Captain Eaton smiled, reaching for a towel. “Oh, of course,” he said.
“We’ll miss all of you very much, Sir,” Garry said, before starting through the door. “The Carefree has been like a home to us.”
The boys were silent as they went on to the dormitory. They were overcome by sadness at having to leave the ship and her friendly people.
As the boys were getting together the clothing and toilet articles they had been given, Patch remarked to Garry, “Maybe the captain doesn’t like us enough for adoption. He may not care for the idea of being saddled with us permanently.”
“I hope it’s not that,” Garry answered, “but I still can’t think of any other reason, now that the stowaway business is straightened out.”
Patch didn’t answer. He had no explanation either.